Air coolers are an easy and convenient way to make your living room, bedroom, or other indoor space more comfortable on a hot day. However, selecting the right type for your unique home can be a challenge — how can you tell the cooler you chose is a good choice?
If you want to learn how to buy an air cooler that best fits your unique space, here’s what you need to know!
Which Air Cooler Should I Buy? Here Are 3 Types to Consider:
Evaporative
An evaporative air cooler operates on the principle of evaporative cooling. It draws in hot air from the environment, which then passes over water-saturated cooling pads — causing the water to evaporate and cool the air inside the unit.
This cooler air is then circulated back into the room, reducing the temperature. The main advantages of evaporative air coolers include lower energy consumption compared to traditional air conditioners and the addition of moisture to the air, which can be beneficial in dry climates. It’s worth noting that their effectiveness diminishes in high-humidity areas. They also need regular maintenance, such as the replenishment of the water tank and cleaning of the cooling pads.
Portable
A portable air cooler offers the convenience of mobility — allowing it to be moved from one room to another to provide localized cooling. These units usually incorporate a water tank and operate on the principle of evaporative cooling to deliver cool air to the immediate area.
Some of the benefits of portable air coolers include ease of installation and the ability to use them in different settings depending on the need. On the downside, portable air coolers might not be effective in large spaces or extremely humid environments. Additionally, their water tank capacity can limit operational time and require frequent refills.
Window-Mounted
Window-mounted air coolers are installed in a window and draw fresh air from outside, which is then cooled by passing through water-soaked cooling pads and blown into the room. This type of air cooler is particularly suitable for cooling single rooms and offers a more permanent solution than portable models.
The primary advantage is that they do not take up floor space inside the room. Unfortunately, they can be challenging to install and may not be suitable for windows that do not conform to standard sizes or types. Also, like other evaporative coolers, they are less effective in humid climates.
What to Keep in Mind When Deciding on Your New Air Cooler
Room Size
Want to learn how to choose the best air cooler for your home? Pay attention to the size of your room — the capacity of an air cooler to effectively reduce room temperature depends significantly on its ability to circulate enough cool air to cover the entire space. A model with insufficient power will struggle in larger rooms and lead to inefficient cooling and increased energy consumption.
On the other hand, a cooler that’s too powerful for a small space can cause excessive humidity and discomfort. As such, selecting the right air cooler involves matching its cooling capacity to the room size for optimal performance.
Humidity Levels
Humidity levels play a pivotal role in choosing the right air cooler. Evaporative coolers, which rely on water evaporation to cool the air, are most effective in dry climates where the added moisture can be comfortably absorbed without creating a damp atmosphere.
In areas with high humidity, these coolers become less efficient as the saturated air hampers the evaporation process, leading to less cooling. Prospective buyers should consider the typical humidity levels of their area to determine if an evaporative air cooler is a suitable solution or if an alternative type of air conditioner might be more appropriate.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a major consideration when looking to buy an air cooler. Models that consume less power not only help reduce electricity bills but also contribute to a lower environmental impact.
Different types of air coolers offer varying levels of energy efficiency, with evaporative coolers generally using less electricity compared to traditional air conditioners. Buyers should evaluate the energy consumption details of different models and consider their long-term operating costs as part of the decision-making process.
Noise Level
The noisiness of an air cooler is an important factor to consider, especially in environments where quiet is valued, such as bedrooms or study rooms. Air coolers generate noise from the fan and the movement of water within the unit, and this can vary significantly between models. When choosing which air cooler to buy, you should check the noise specifications and — if possible — test the unit in operation to ensure that it meets your noise level preferences.
Knowing What Air Cooler to Buy for Your Home Can Improve Your Comfort — But It Alone Isn't Enough
Even if you understand how to choose an air cooler, it’s not always enough to keep you comfortable on a sweltering day. At Integrity Heating & Air, we offer professional AC repair in Dagsboro, DE, so that you can stay cool all summer long.
To schedule an HVAC or IAQ service for your home, give us a call today.
